When fans began noticing Randy Moss’ yellow eyes during his segment on ESPN’s NFL pregame show, they knew something was wrong. In December 2024, the former NFL player revealed he was facing a health issue. Though he didn’t share details at that time, he later revealed he underwent surgery for bile duct cancer that month and was recovering. However, after December 2024, he never posted on Instagram.

All posts on his feed after December 2024 were made in collaboration with other accounts. But the former Minnesota Vikings player has ended his hiatus with a new post after a year.

“Been gone for a whole year off gram,” Moss wrote as a caption. “This is the only pic that I saved. 1 year till this day since my big surgery! TO ALL MY DOCTORS & PRAYER WARRIORS……THANK U#blessedman.”

Though Moss didn’t get into the specifics of his recovery, his words suggest a grueling recovery journey. Among the first to offer support was Tom Brady, who shared a simple message: “❤️❤️❤️ love you Randy.”

Moss was one of the best wide receivers during his time in the NFL. He earned his four first-team All-Pro selections and six Pro Bowl nods. And in 2007, he even helped the New England Patriots finish their near-perfect season alongside Brady before falling to the Giants in the Super Bowl.

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He last played the 2012 season and later transitioned to television. He joined ESPN as an NFL analyst on Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown. That stint, however, was hindered because of his cancer diagnosis. He took a leave of absence in 2024 and was unable to return for Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season after fighting cancer. However, he returned in September.

His first appearance, though, occurred earlier this year, in February. It was a brief appearance on the Super Bowl LIX desk. He was joined by hosts Mike Greenberg, Alex Smith, Tedy Bruschi, and Rex Ryan.

His return didn’t just start with a handshake but rather with a tribute fit for the Hall of Famer. ESPN surprised Moss with a montage featuring welcome-back messages from Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, Justin Jefferson, Jerry Rice, and Kevin Garnett. Moss was truly moved as he couldn’t hold back his tears.

“Guys, it’s been hard,” he said. “But I got a lot of love and a lot of people believing in me. I’m happy to be here.”

The 48-year-old legend has completed his 10th year with ESPN. And now that he is back on Instagram, his well-wishers and fans couldn’t help but welcome him back.

Randy Moss’s return receives lots of love online

Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx wrote under Moss’ post: “Blessings king.”

Messages flooded in from legends and leaders across sports and entertainment, reflecting the reverence Moss commands far beyond the field.

Even Hall of Famer and football coach Deion Sanders offered a deeply personal tribute, saying, “Love ya my brother! Proud of the man the father the husband the analyst & the brother u are to me.”

Sanders knows what Moss went through. After all, ‘Coach Prime’ battled bladder cancer during the offseason. Moss had been a source of great support for him and had told Sanders to make time for his family.

Current Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson added prayer emojis, as did ESPN insider Adam Schefter and comedian and commentator DL Hughley, underscoring the universal support behind Moss’ journey.

Moss is cancer-free after undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, as well as a six-hour surgery that removed parts of several organs. Since then, he has been urging his followers, particularly fellow Black men, to undergo regular cancer screenings.

Faith, respect, and brotherhood echoed throughout the rest of the tributes. Super Bowl champion Benjamin Watson wrote, “Praise God. Love you man,” while Hall of Fame running back Edgerrin James dropped a succinct “🧥💯.”